Lake MacKay, 2004 by Walala Tjapaltjarri, 120x90cm Cat 8808WT

"Lake MacKay, 2004" by Walala Tjapaltjarri is a strong and beautiful depiction of Lake MacKay, a place where Walala and his family held an intimate knowledge of the land until their emergence from the desert in 1984. The painting features rectangles that symbolise sacred spaces within this vast landscape.

In 1984, Walala and his brother, Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri, made world headlines when they, along with their family, walked out of the desert after living a fully traditional life at Lake MacKay, located on the border of the Northern Territory and Western Australia. This significant event highlighted their deep connection to their ancestral land and the cultural heritage they preserved.

Walala's artwork captures the essence of Lake MacKay with its minimalistic yet powerful style. The use of rectangles not only represents the physical geography of the area but also conveys the spiritual significance of these sacred spaces. "Lake MacKay, 2004" stands as a testament to Walala Tjapaltjarri's artistic talent and his profound connection to his homeland and cultural traditions.